Greenville Area High School cheerleaders earned a spot in the New Year's Day Capital One Bowl half-time show in Orlando after attending a three-day cheerleading camp in their hometown.

Though the 40 girls had their hopes set on attending the Capital One Bowl, formerly known as the Citrus Bowl, those hopes were dashed when they found that the trip was too costly.

It would have cost each girl nearly $1,000 to attend, plus bus fees.

"My mom said, 'How are you going to be able to get $800 in time?" said 14-year-old freshman cheerleader Kenzi Royer.

Advisers Nicki Fisher and Mary Kroynovich had a meeting with the parents and decided the money they needed for a first deposit couldn't be raised in such a short period of time.

But the blue and gold squad didn't let this year's money shortage stop them from cheering in next year's half-time show. With the help of their cheerleading advisers, the squad kicked off a 12-hour cheer-a-thon Saturday at Super Wal-Mart in Hempfield Township.

"In a way, I think it's a good thing we have to wait until next year. We're really looking forward to going," said sophomore Kaylie Miller, 15.

"I'm kind of disappointed we don't get to go, but in a way it's better than rushing around. It's better to just wait until next year," said 16-year-old Linnea Cianci.

Their advisers agreed that the cheer-a-thon was beneficial for the girls, who were able to get together and cheer as a squad.

"It's an excellent, excellent opportunity for them," Ms. Fisher said.

Saturday's cheering Trojans were made up of junior varsity and varsity football and wrestling cheerleaders. They shook their pom-poms, cheering nonstop from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. hoping to collect enough donations to make the trip next year. Last year the girls went to Chicago for the Thanksgiving parade.

Among the items being sold were raffle tickets for a Steelers football game, three box seats and free parking, worth more than $600. Raffle tickets will be sold at football games and a drawing will be held Oct. 3.

A spaghetti dinner is being held from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Brass Lantern Family Restaurant. Tickets are $5 in advance.